Portugal Flashcards
Describe Portugal climate
even though its a small country it has a range of different climates.
what is the single most important influence in Portugal?
the Atlantic Ocean
what type of climate is Portugal
much of it is maritime, however the inland vineyards are hot and dry and continental. in some places high altitude can help to mitigate very high temperatures.
what partly accounts for the diversity of wine styles found in Portugal
the large differences in annual average temperature
What makes Portugal different from other wine growing regions?
it has a wealth of indigenous varieties which also makes the wine difficult to understand especially given that many of the varieties have different names in different regions
Where is Vinho-Verde?
northwest of Portugal, nearness the Atlantic ocean
What kind of climate does Vinho-Verde have?
moderate maritime climate. most significant feature of climate is the high annual amount of rainfall.
What kind of vine management is utilized in the Vinho-Verde vineyards
typically uses careful canopy management. without this the high level of precipitation can cause excessive canopy growth and disease. The modernizations of vineyards has move away from the traditional pergola trellising and moved to Spur pruned VSP to create airflow in the humid environment and allow for mechanisation
Describe the classic white wines from Vinho-Verde
pale lemon colored high in acidity, and low alcohol (8-11.5%). off dry
what does a wine label with a sub-region, or an authorized quality labelling term mention on it mean?
it can have up to 14% abv
What are the white grape wines made from in Vinho-Verde?
Loureiro and Arinto
Describe Loureiro and Arinto wines
typically have a slight sparkling sensation that enhances the freshness.
What are Vinho-Verde Alvarinho wines made from?
entirely of Alvarinho - grown in sub region of Moncao e Melgaco
Describe a Vinho-Verde Alvarinho wine
slightly higher alcohol (11.5-14% abv) and riper and more tropical aromas.
Describe red wines in Vinho-Verde Alvarinho
both red and rose made - deeply colored and tannic. roses are fresh and fruity.
What is PDO for Portugal?
Denominacao de Origem Protegida (DOP) but traditional term Denominacao de Origem Controlada (DOC) is also widely used.
What is PGI for Portugal?
Indicacao Geografica Protegida (IGP) but traditional term Vinho Regional is also seen on labels
What are wines without geographical indication labelled in Portugal?
Vinho - many off dry rose are simple and fruity fall into this category
What is the oldest demarcated wine region in the world?
Duoro
Where is Duoro located?
80km east of Porto, and stretches from the Marao Mountains to the frontier with Spain.
What is wine production dominated by in Douro?
Port, but unfortified wines are also made.
What 5 varietals are relied on for both Ports and unfortified wines in Portugal?
Touriga Nacional Touriga Franca Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo) Tinta Barroca and Tinta Cao
Which of the 5 varietals in Portugal is the highest quality and is most well known?
Touriga Nacional
Describe characteristics of Touriga Nacional?
low yields and intense color and flavors, high levels of tannins.
Describe red wines of Douro
deeply colored, full bodied, with high level of ripe tannins, and rich black fruit flavors. best examples often display toasty aromas from maturation in new oak.
Describe white wines from Douro
particularly from high altitudes can show fresh varietal fruit and medium to high acidity
Where is Dao
located in a mountainous area 80km south of the Douro region.
where are vines typically planted in Dao
on gentler hills and slopes.
where are vineyards in Dao in regards to sea level
lie between 200-400m above sea level
describe climate of Dao
cold wet winters and warm dry summers combine with a significant temperature variation between day and night
describe red wines from Dao
display delicate fruit aromas soft tannins, high acidity.
What are new varietals of high quality that have been planted in Dao
Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Jaen (Mencia in Spain) and Alfrocheiro
Describe an Alfrocheiro wine
deep in color with intense blackberry and strawberry aromas.
What are the best Dao white wines made from
Encruzado
Describe an Encruzado wine
range in style from light and fresh to richer barrel fermented versions
Where is Bairrada located?
lies between Dao and the atlantic Ocean
what kind of climate does Bairrada have?
maritime with rainy winters and warm summers. Rain around harvest time can sometimes be a problem for late ripening varieties
What is the dominant black varietal in Bairrada?
Baga
Describe Baga
late ripening with small thick skinned berries giving wines deep color and high tannins.
What happens if Baga is underripe?
wine can have high acidity, astringent tannins, but picking later gives the wines softer rich black fruit flavors.
What method can also make Baga softer
Gentler crushing and maceration techniques
what are other black varietals that are important in Baga?
Touriga Nacional, ALfrocheiro, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah
What are white wines from Baga made from?
indigenous varietals of Biscal and Maria Gomes
Where is Alentejo?
it is spread over 8 sub regions in the south of Portugal
What is the climate of Alentejo
warm growing climate but small climatic differences among the sub regions allow a range of different styles to be produced
What type of wines are found in cooler wetter north climate Alentejo?
more elegant wines
What type of wines are found in hotter drier center and south climate Alentejo?
richer examples
What is the typical red blend made form in Alentejo?
Aragones (Tempranillo), and trincadeira (a drought tolerant grape with spicy red berry flavors and high levels of tannins)
What other varietal is used in blends in Alentejo besides Aragones and Tricadeira?
Alicante Bouschet - high in color and tannins. Touriga Nacional and Syrah have been on the rise - deep in color, with high yet soft tannins, full body and expressive ripe fruit flavors.
What varietals make fruity and floral white wines with med to high acidity in Alentejo?
Arinto, Antao vaz and Roupeiro
How are wines fermented in Alentejo?
some are fermented or aged in oak to provide extra depth and complexity
What is the largest Vinho Regional region in terms of production
Vinho Regional Alentejano
where is Vinho Regional Alentejano
based around Alentejo DOC but covers far more extensive are.
Describe wine laws in Vinho Regional Alentejano
much more liberal and wider range of varietals can be used.
